One significant aspect of Nepal’s economy is the tourism industry, which has always shown an increasing trend. In 2022, around 614,869 people visited Nepal. The numbers saw a spike in the following year (2023), when approximately 1,014,885 people came to the country from across the globe.
Besides its scenic beauty and rich cultural heritage, Nepal is home to ten of the fourteen highest mountains in the world. This provides visitors with an amazing scope for hiking and mountaineering—another reason for it being one of the most sought-after holiday destinations.
So, can you visit Nepal throughout the year? Is there a peak time to visit Nepal and reap the most of all the beautiful things it has to offer? That’s what we will discuss in this article. Read on to know more.
What is the Best Time to Visit Nepal?
When you go to any location during the peak seasons, you incur high travel expenses because flight prices and accommodation are on the rise. Yet, visiting a location at its most preferred time makes your travel experience fulfilling.
The best time to visit Nepal is from October to December. That’s when you’ll see clear blue skies and magnificent views of the surrounding locations. Moreover, if trekking is one of your main goals when visiting Nepal, October and November are the perfect months to choose since the dry days will help you pursue your adventure to the fullest. When you visit Nepal during the dry and sunny season, you can make the most of your travel experience.
Which is the Off Season In Nepal?
The off-season in Nepal starts in June, marked by heavy rainfall. The monsoon season continues until July, considered the country’s wettest month. Teamed with rainfall is the hot and humid weather is affected by rainfall, which makes your stay in Nepal more uncomfortable, mainly if you visit the country then.
August and September are also marked by periods of heavy rainfall, and cloudy weather leads to poor visibility. So, if you visit Nepal during these months, you will have fewer outdoor activities and more indoor activities.
A Detailed Insight into Nepal By Month – How’s the Weather and What You Can Do?
| Months | Temperature | Season | Weather updates | Things to Do |
| June-September | 19-27°C | Summer (and rainy season) | The summer months are warm but not uncomfortable. The days are comparatively hotter than the nights. The hottest months in Nepal are from mid-May to mid-July. The summer season is also marked by immense rainfall and thunderstorms. | You could trek to Ghorepani Poonhill, a perfect place to visit in summer. It’s short and easy, and you can trek to the peak for a fantastic view of the Annapurna hillsIf you visit Nepal in August/September, you can witness Teej celebrations. Married women observe this festival and indulge in fasting, offering prayers to Lord Shiva, and even feasting on a sumptuous meal as their fast ends. |
| October – November | 18-22°C | Autumn | Autumn is the best time to visit Nepal, as nature becomes colorful and vibrant. Autumn in Nepal starts in mid-September and lasts until the end of November. You may find the weather a little humid when visiting Nepal in autumn. However, the clear blue skies and warm, sunny weather are a bonus for enjoying your Nepal vacation. | These seasons are ideal for trekking in Nepal’s beautiful landscapes. The Everest Base Camp Trek, Rara Lake Trek, Manaslu Trek, and Mardi Himal Trek are some of the popular destinations. If you go to Nepal in October, you’ll witness Dashain celebrations. It is Nepal’s most significant and longest festival, celebrating the triumph of good over evil. Mani Rimdu is another significant Nepali festival held in October or November. Celebrated by the Buddhists, it is an 18-day-long festival marked by dance, drama, and religious ceremonialism. You can go rafting along the Trishuli River and have an exciting experience as you encounter the numerous rapids. The sunny weather is ideal for sightseeing. When in Kathmandu, visit places like Boudha Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, and Kathmandu Durbar Square. Pokhara, one of Nepal’s most popular cities, is famous for trekking and paragliding. |
| December – February | 3-19°C | Winter | Winter in Nepal is cold, clear, and free of rain. High-altitude areas (above 3000 mt) are cold and snowy, with temperatures falling to as low as 10°C at night. The snow-clad mountains, frozen streams, and lakes are visually appealing. | Winter isn’t ideal for visiting Nepal as it can get cold at night. However, if you’ve packed enough warm clothes and are ready to experience the chilly temperatures, you may prepare for a delightful experience. The Chitwan National Park is one of the ideal places to visit in winter. You will see the one-horned rhino and the Royal Bengal Tiger if you are lucky. If birdwatching is your foray, you may catch sight of some of the 160 migratory bird species. True that winter isn’t ideal for trekking and mountaineering. However, Kalinchowk is one of the preferred winter trekking sites for those wishing to go skiing as it snows. The magnificent view of the Himalayas from the hills will take your breath away. If you are looking for serenity amidst the beauty of nature, Kakani, the hill village, is a lovely place to visit. Check out the strawberry farms, scenic localities, and lip-smacking delicacies that are available. |
| March-May | 8-28°C | Spring | In March, the weather starts getting warm. You may experience short bursts of rain now and then. However, there may be spans of haze that lower the visibility of the snow-capped mountains at a distance. April is hot and sunny, and the temperature could reach as much as 30°C. In high- altitudes regions, the temperature can be around 20°C, making trekking favorable. You’ll experience rain as well and can observe hazy skies. May means pre-monsoon, alongside hot days and high humidity. May isn’t an ideal month for vacationing in Nepal. | If you are planning to stay in the heart of the city (Kathmandu) during summer, that isn’t a good idea as it gets hot. Instead, you could visit mountain trails, lakeside areas, and hill stations. If you are looking for an offbeat experience, then Lumbini, Pokhara, Bandipur, etc., are ideal. If you visit Nepal in May, you’ll have the privilege of witnessing Buddha Jayanti celebrated in a grand way in Nepal. The time between March and May marks the onset of spring when nature is at its best. Warm days, clear skies, and fabulous views of the mountainous terrain make spring one of the perfect seasons for trekking. |
Top 5 Places to Visit In Nepal
Nepal cannot be confined to five places. There are many unique sights to visit, from religious places to national parks, hiking spots, and more. Here, we have made a comprehensive list of must-visit places on your trip to Nepal.
- Boudhanath Stupa
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Boudhinath Stupa is one of the most popular places in Kathmandu. It is a semicircle containing the remains and relics of Lord Buddha. The calm and peaceful ambience of the place compels several visitors to throng it. Several nunneries and monasteries surround the Buddha Stupa, intensifying the serenity of the place to the fullest.
Autumn and spring are the most preferred times to visit the Buddha Stupa. It’s a treat to watch the ceremonial celebration during Buddha Jayanti, when many people gather around the stupa to pay homage to Lord Buddha, is a treat.
- Pashupatinath Temple
Another holy site to visit is the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu. Built in dedication to Lord Pashupati, an incarnation of Lord Shiva, the temple gained World Heritage Site status in 1979. It’s a pagoda-styled temple constructed of wooden structures. The roofs are made of copper, and silver sheets cover the doors.
The unique architecture of the temple and its surroundings will enthrall you. Only Hindus are permitted to the main temple; others can watch this unique spectacle from outside. One of the grandest festivals of the Pashupatinath temple is Maha Shivaratri, celebrated in February or March. If you visit the temple during that time, you can witness its grandeur.
- Chitwan National Park
If jungle safari is your thing, visiting Chitwan National Park is mandatory. It is Nepal’s first national park and home to the last populations of the one-horned Asiatic rhino and the Royal Bengal Tiger. As per a survey conducted in 2022, the park has around 128 Bengal tigers, quite a number. However, getting a glimpse of them requires patience and perseverance.
The park is known for its increased sloth bear population, and your chances of encountering them during your safari are high. You will also see monkeys, deer, crocodiles, jungle cats, etc. You can satisfy your bird-watching desire at the park, which boasts around 543 species. The perfect time to visit Chitwan is October-early March.
If you are ready to withstand intense heat, you may go in April or May, when you could catch sight of wildlife gathering at the waterholes. Day trips are available; however, a four-day stay at the park will help you explore it fully.
Read Also: Best Time to Visit Bali
- Pokhara
Pokhara, Nepal’s second most populated city, is famous for attracting tourists. The city provides a fabulous base for trekking, making it one of the most sought-after destinations in Nepal. If you are to trek to the Annapurna region, Pokhara is the gateway to start your adventurous journey.
Pokhara is synonymous with scenic beauty; you can access several natural delights here. The Phewa Lake is one such place where you can see the scintillating views of the majestic Himalayas. Don’t miss out on boating in the crystal clear waters and attain the experience of a lifetime.
The Sarangkot Hill, World Peace Pagoda, Devi’s Fall, Bindhyabasini Temple, Kahun Danda, and so on. The perfect time to visit Pokhara is during peak season, October – November, when the weather is at its best—pleasant, clear, and comfortable. This is the ideal time for trekking, paragliding, and visiting the city’s beautiful locations.
- Annapurna Mountain Range
This location is indeed a trekker’s and a mountaineer’s delight. On your way, you’ll witness an ecstatic landscape and will be able to take pleasure in a perfect blend of flora and fauna. As you trek along, you’ll be amazed to see the bright rhododendrons on your way. The best time to witness this splendid sight is from March to May.
That’s when these flowers bloom. When you trek during spring, you’ll be in for a visual treat as nature decks up in an array of colors. You may find the Annapurna mountain area crowded during spring, so making reservations beforehand is better. Trekking during monsoon may pose challenges, leading to visibility issues. Winters are immensely cold, and it isn’t recommended for hiking or trekking, particularly for the novice.
There are many places to visit in Nepal, not just these five; there are umpteen of them, and the list is endless.
Conclusion
That was Nepal in a nutshell. It’s indeed one of the delightful destinations for a perfect adventure. During peak seasons, you can make the best of the bright weather conditions and indulge in adventurous sports. In the off-season, you won’t be able to devote significant time to outdoor activities. However, despite challenging weather conditions, Nepal has several sightseeing spots to visit. Plan your trip judiciously and make the most of it.
FAQs – Best Time to Visit Nepal
Nepal’s low seasons span June and September. These months are the cheapest time to visit Nepal, and hotel rates and flight fares are considerably cheaper. The winter months also don’t see many visitors, and prices are affordable.
The summer (June to August) and winter months (December – February) are off-seasons in Nepal, as only a few visitors come during these months due to extreme weather conditions.
Mid-May and mid-July are the hottest in Nepal, with temperatures ranging from 9 to 12 °C.
It depends on your plans. Five to seven days will be fine for exploring the country and planning a short trekking expedition. However, a ten-day trip would be enough to visit most of the places at length. However, if you plan a serious trek to the Makalu Base Camp or Everest Base Camp Trek and wish to go on a jungle safari, three or four weeks are needed.
The months between September and December are ideal for visiting Kathmandu. The city gets hot in summer, so avoid visiting Kathmandu then.
October and November are the perfect months for visiting Pokhra due to perfect weather, and clear blue skies, making it ideal for paragliding, and trekking.
A visa isn’t required for Indian passport holders. However, for other nationals, the visa has a six-month validity.
The monsoon season in Nepal lasts from June to August.